acclimatize
uh-KLY-muh-tyze
/əˈklaɪmətaɪz/
To respond to a change in climate or environment by adjusting or adapting.
Implies a gradual, physiological or psychological adjustment to a harsh or unfamiliar environment.
The story behind the word. From French acclimater, from a- (to) + climat (climate), which itself comes from Greek klima (slope, zone, region). Originally used for plants and animals adjusting to new weather, it now describes human adaptation to any new environment.
Word relationships
- habituate: Habituate means to become accustomed to a behavior or stimulus, while acclimatize specifically refers to environmental or climatic conditions.
- alienate: Alienate means to make someone feel isolated or unaccustomed to their environment.
Commonly confused with
- acclimate: Acclimate and acclimatize mean the exact same thing; acclimate is preferred in American English, while acclimatize is preferred in British English.
Word family
- acclimatization (noun): The process of adapting to a new climate.
Collocations
- acclimatize to the altitude
- acclimatize to the culture
- allow time to acclimatize
Idioms & expressions
- get used to the climate
Example sentences
- "Mountaineers usually spend several days at base camp to acclimatize to the thin air before climbing Everest." High-altitude climbing
Memory hook
Think of 'climate'. To 'ac-climat-ize' is to get 'accustomed' to a new 'climate'. Gradually getting used to a new climate.
When not to use
Do not use for a sudden, instantaneous change; acclimatization is always a gradual process over time.
Fun facts
- When humans acclimatize to high altitudes, their kidneys produce more of the hormone erythropoietin (EPO), which stimulates red blood cell production.
Related words
Explore more words
adapt, adaptation, accommodate, adaptable, adaptability, adaptive
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